ABSTRACT
Introduction: The burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is on the rise especially in developing countries like India. Due to its chronic nature DM tends to cause many debilitating complications and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of them. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of DPN among patients attending a tertiary care hospital and to identify the determinants associated with it. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu from May 2018 till September 2018. A total of 203 diabetic patients were asked to respond to the patient history version of Michigan neuropathy screening Instrument and examinations were conducted after obtaining consent from them. The data were analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics as well as bivariate analysis. Results: The prevalence of DPN using the MNSI history version and MNSI examination were found to be 31% and 24% respectively. The major determinants were found to be age more than 50 years (OR: 0.24, CI: 0.123- 0.467), P<0.00001, HbA1C > 6.5 (OR: 0.467, CI: 1.90 – 0.356, P= 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients was 41.5% and the major determinants were age more than 50 years and poor HbA1C control. Early detection through routine screening and regular follow up examinations will reduce the burden of disability among diabetics and improve their quality of life significantly
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for various respiratory diseases in humans PEFR is a useful parameter to monitor airway obstruction, its severity, variation and evaluation of treatment Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the PEFR in age-matched asymptomatic smokers and non-smokers Materials and methods: Study was conducted in 50 asymptomatic smokers and 50 healthy nonsmokers PEFR recording was done using Wright’s peak flow meter Results: On comparing the anthropometric indices, mean weight of the smokers was 6123 whereas it was 6688 in nonsmokers which was statistically significant Mean PEFR of smokers was 35416 and that of nonsmokers was 40960 which were significant Smokers smoking for less than 10 years had a mean PEFR of 368 as against the PEFR of 308 in those with smoking history for more than 10 years Beedi smokers had the lowest mean PEFR of 2565 when compared to cigarette smokers mean PEFR of 35260 Conclusions: Smoking had a significant impact on the lung function of smokers even though they are asymptomatic Smokers had a significant reduction in their weight too Smoking for a longer duration of years affects both cigarette and beedi smokers but the worst was with the Beedi smokers PEFR is an easy and effective method of detecting deterioration in lung function in OPD setting thus helping to create awareness among smokers to quit smoking as early as possible